Tumors are incredibly dangerous and aggressive masses that may arise at any point in your life. While surgery has been the most mainstream solution to getting rid of tumors, there are newer and better methods that are just as effective.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is an important tool that is being used by doctors all over the world to target cancer and destroy tumor cells. These sophisticated techniques use extremely focused, high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancerous tissue locally without affecting the other regions of the body. This targeted approach is crucial because, in the past, radiation could spread to nearby structures, causing more tumors. Today, this therapy is safe enough to be used as a main-line treatment for all kinds of tumors.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a technique that is similar to high-intensity radiation. This treatment takes sounds and currents that are packed with energy and directs them into the specific region where the tumor is located, generating enough heat within the tumor that its cells start to die. This method is designed for smaller cancers, which means that more sophisticated imaging technologies like CT scans have allowed doctors to detect small masses.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses a small tool to freeze individual cancer cells, creating such inhospitable conditions that the cells start to die slowly. It’s preferred for tumors on the liver or kidneys because these organs have a high blood supply. The side effects are minimal, and you can go about your daily business once your treatment session is completed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is an incredibly popular form of treatment for tumors, and perhaps the most commonly known after surgery. It works by inhibiting DNA replication all over the body, reducing the speed at which cells can replicate. Since tumors divide and grow at a much faster rate compared to normal tissue, chemotherapy is effective in slowing their growth down and even shrinking large tumors enough for them to be removed safely. Unfortunately, while new chemotherapies are being released each year that yield better results, these drugs still come with a lot of side effects like nausea, impaired healing, and low immunity.
Embolization
One of the new ways to treat tumors without surgery is embolization. This method blocks blood flow to tumors by putting tiny particles into blood vessels. It’s a versatile solution for different conditions without needing surgery. An even newer and more specialized approach works well for tumors affecting the uterus. Patients can find uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN, or closer to where they live, to experience all of the treatment’s benefits.
Conclusion
Wanting to get rid of a tumor is natural, but this fear and panic can sometimes lead to patients opting for riskier and less rewarding forms of treatment, like surgery. While surgery is still a key tool used to remove tumors, there are many more treatment options available today that can help your body get rid of tumors without any of the major side effects.